232040476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Genius For Men Conference Connects, Trains and Celebrates High Achievers

Greenbelt, MD (April 30, 2009) – Alisha Jones, Miss Black Maryland 2008, wants young men to find their genius. Inspired by the idea that men and women should share in the celebration of achievement together, the inaugural Genius for Men Conference will convene on May 9, 2009 at the Greenbelt Marriott. Ms. Jones and Executive Producer Angela Jones announce Radio One sponsorship of the Genius For Men conference. GFM announced recently that im4ardiodc.com will be broadcasting live from the conference. GFM is offering additional sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

This event will feature training sessions on topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to Real Estate, Image, Effective Communication, Academic Success, Mental Health and Conquering the Music Industry. The conference theme is “Enlarging your capacity to do all things well.”

Guests and panelists include Rev. Tony Lee of the Community of Hope Church as well as representatives from Ebony and Jet magazines, Billboard Books, the University of Maryland, George Mason University, 100 Black Men of Greater Washington and Obama for America. The event will also feature an awards ceremony honoring accomplished business and civic leaders.

“This conference is different from the rest,” Jones said. “The 2009 Genius for Men Conference is men’s empowerment conference that celebrates achievement, brotherhood to men and women and well-roundedness beyond their profession.” The host is a PhD student at the University of Chicago and graduate of the Yale School of Divinity. Jones’ InSight Initiative is the sponsoring organization for this event.

The conference will take place on May 9, 2009 at the Greenbelt Marriott from 9 am to 5 pm. Persons can register online at www.geniusformen.org. Regular registration is now open.

The In Sight Initiative seeks to evaluate multi-media production and creativity to offer innovative responses to inaccurate, harmful and negative messages that are disseminated through these outlets. This is a cooperative, grassroots effort that reaches marginal communities and lifts up their stories. To find out more, visit www.alishajones.com.

November 2007

Immediate Release

Bowie, Maryland – Ms. Alisha Lola Jones was crowned Miss Black Maryland USA 2008 on Saturday August 4, 2007. Ms Jones was amongst 33 women who vied for the crown.

Jones is currently a doctoral student at the University of Chicago, in Chicago, Illinois studying the field of ethnomusicology, with a specialization in the African American Sacred Music tradition. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School. Miss Black Maryland USA 2008's platform is

"Mind Your Own Business": HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

Jones will represent Maryland in the 2008 Miss Black USA pageant that is scheduled for June 2008 in Las Vegas Nevada

The Miss Black USA pageant is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunity to young women of color and to develop the whole woman, mind, body and spirit.

Miss Black Maryland USA 2008 is available as a Speaker or Singer for:

..Key events and Opening Conventions

Highlighting Grand Openings

Addressing Business Organizations

Emcee for State and Local Pageants

Spokesperson for Television and Radio

Addressing Church and Community Groups

Addressing Civic Organizations

Strengthening Fundraising Programs

Speaker for Womens and Youth Clubs

Keynote Speaker for Health Awareness Programs

Or request a presentation through Alisha L. Jones' platform: "Mind Your Own Business": HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention...

Miss Black Maryland USA, Alisha Lola Jones, is available for media interviews and appearances. For more information, please contact Angela Marie Jones, Director of Public Relations for Miss Black Maryland USA 2008, via email at [email protected].